Safer Families, Safer Communities
- LNP will pilot a new GPS tracker program for high-risk DV offenders on Domestic Violence Orders.
- Pilot program put ankle bracelet tracking on up to 500 offenders as a way to deter offenders and protect victims from high-risk domestic violence offenders.
- Victims of family violence will also be offered safety devices as part of the boost in support.
- LNP to expand Hope Hub recovery centres to three additional sites across Queensland.
The LNP will take critical action to arrest skyrocketing rates of domestic and family violence, rolling out a GPS tracking program for high-risk offenders, as part of its Safer Families, Safer Communities policy.
Under the pilot program, the LNP will act to protect victims of domestic and family violence by stopping DV offenders in their tracks with a GPS tracking program that monitors their location and sounds an alarm if the offender gets close to where the victim lives or works.
The program is aimed to bolster protection for victims and deter domestic and family violence before it happens.
The LNP will also deliver three new Beyond DV Hope Hubs providing safe, hidden places for victims to receive wrap around support will be delivered in shopping centres in key spots around the state.
The commitment builds on the previously announced plan to double DVConnect Womensline and Mensline capacity with a new North Queensland based hub.
LNP Leader David Crisafulli said the multifaceted approach to tackling domestic and family violence was the next plank of the LNP’s Safer Families, Safer Communities plan and delivered on a key commitment to follow-through on landmark domestic and family violence reforms.
“The LNP will act to protect victims and stop heinous domestic and family violence crimes before they happen by tracking high-risk offenders in real time,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“My message to perpetrators is crystal clear: under an LNP Government we will bring in consequences for action. We cannot continue to allow offenders to walk free while victims live in fear.
“We will also offer victims the choice to have their own safety device if they wish, to put the safety of victims front and centre.”
Mr Crisafulli said the GPS tracking program would be based on the world-leading Tasmanian model which had seen an 82% reduction in high-risk incidents.
“Perpetrators will be tracked 24/7 by a specialised team, with victims contacted immediately to enact safety plans if their perpetrator comes into proximity to them,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“At the same time, the LNP will work with recovery group Beyond DV to roll out three more Hope Hubs based on their incredible Westfield Carindale model which has seen thousands of women and children safely and discreetly through their doors at times of incredible stress in their lives,” he said.
“Our Hope Hubs will offer social, health, housing, legal and financial support in a setting which is easy and inconspicuous to access.
“Only the LNP will restore safety where you live with more support for victims of domestic and family violence across Queensland.”
LNP Shadow Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said too many victims of domestic and family violence have had every move they make monitored by their abuser.
“Victims have the right to know where their offender is and if they are breaching their conditions, authorities will be able to prosecute," Ms Camm said.
“The Labor Government has failed to implement repeated recommendations over nine years into domestic and family violence in Queensland.
“We will provide more help for victims as they navigate the justice system, and respect police and the courts by providing them with the tools they need to keep Queenslanders safe.”